After six seasons as co-host of Live With Kelly and Ryan, Ryan Seacrest has announced his departure from the popular talk show. In an emotional episode that aired this morning, co-host Kelly Ripa joined Seacrest to say their goodbyes.
Seacrest, who has served as co-host for six years, expressed his gratitude for the support and understanding of his wife Kelly. She understood his decision to leave the show to pursue opportunities in another country. Seacrest also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to become a part of the Live with Kelly and Ryan family and spend time with his loved ones.
Kelly Ripa bid farewell to Seacrest, expressing gratitude for their successful six-year partnership on the show. She praised his kindness, charm, brilliance, authenticity, and generosity. As a funny parting joke, Ripa mentioned that the team members still reserve the right to harass Seacrest on social media and hinted that they would keep their mailing addresses current.
The last episode featured Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, as a special guest. Seacrest’s parents, sister Meredith, and fiancée Aubrey Paige were also present to show their support. Two clip montages were played, showcasing both hilarious and heartwarming moments from Seacrest’s time on the show.
It was announced during the finale that Mark Consuelos, who is already married to Kelly Ripa, will be the next co-host of Live with Kelly and Ryan. Consuelos joined the set with a sardine cake, a hilarious and memorable symbol of receiving the “baton” from Seacrest. Seacrest passed on his mug, a symbol of their partnership, to Consuelos in this symbolic gesture.
The morning program has seen a few host changes since its initial success under Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Gifford left the show in 2000, and Kelly Ripa joined Philbin as a full-time co-host in 2001. More recently, former NFL player Michael Strahan stepped down as co-host in 2017 to join Good Morning America, paving the way for Ryan Seacrest to take his place.
Although Ryan Seacrest’s departure from Live With Kelly and Ryan marks the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the show. With gratitude and fond memories, the Live with Kelly and Ryan family bid farewell to Seacrest and excitedly welcome Mark Consuelos as the next co-host.
